KIDNEY KOACH

I gave in and took an Ambien last night and slept well. I have only ever used these sleeping pills in the hospital. Not to mention names, but I believe I have a certain Florida friend that did some sleep driving after using it. Earlier in life I was known to sleep talk, walk, eat and punch holes in doors when I was sleep as well as the nightmare/terrors. That resolved as aged, and started taking care of health more proactively. I slept and since my urinary catheter and drain are still attached it must have worked as intended.

It is 4:30 in the morning as I write this and in 12 hours I should be discharged. I will go home with the afore-mentioned Foley Cath and drain. The drain will be in for a week or two… still unclear on how long I keep it. It is a little grenade size bulb hanging from tube out of my left oblique. The urinary / Foley catheter will be with me at discharge and I get to remove it myself tomorrow morning. Looking forward to it being gone, but not looking forward to doing it. The reason they won’t remove it here is that the want to keep the bladder unstrained for a predetermined length of time.

I have been an open valve and with the pushed fluids. Apparently, I peed immediately in post op and haven’t stopped since; 6.5 liters yesterday! After my first walk, I was stable enough to not need the wheel chair as an aid but the pocket in back of the chair holds the urine bag well, plus Bennett likes to ride around the floor with me. So that is why you still see me using it in pix.

We will go to my parents’ house tonight. Back to lab and clinic tomorrow (Friday) and Monday and Tuesday. If cleared to do so we can go back to Tulsa after the Tuesday appointment. I’m not allowed to drive for six-weeks. My folks will bring their RV to Tulsa and continue to help. Please aim some love in their direction as they have been my entire life there for me in all ways that matter most.

Anna shared her journal with me and it was utterly fascinating to see that level of intimacy. It was focused on the journey of being a kidney donor from the record of the day’s donor related events to her thoughts on me as she got to know me, my family and friends. More than once reading it I felt very fortunate that those she respects are friends of mind. I have no qualms encouraging her to journal but to also pursue writing and donor advocacy. This little journal would translate powerfully as a book to those who are considering saving lives through donation. ​

Anna

Anna Cannington has offered to be part of this program. As a kidney donor with a nephrologist brother (not to mention next level human) she will be able to provide unique insight into "other side" of the transplant process. It is particularly apt for her to join up as she is Dustin's Donor. To schedule a conversation with either of Anna or Dustin just connect with either of us!

Dustin

Dustin was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy (Berger's Disease) in early 2007. He and his family know well the struggles that come with suffering kidney failure, dialysis and the transplant processes. Born from these fustrations and Dustin's love of strengths-based coaching (centered on what is best in people) comes the Kidney Koach program. This NO FEE program is for Renal patients, their families and nursing staff that want support, understanding and a little help on the path.